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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Chris Jozefowicz

This energetic, fun rhythm game lets players feel like they are on stage along with some of the rockin'-est bands of the last 35 years. GUITAR HERO uses a special guitar-shaped controller that lets gamers play along with authentic-sounding cover versions of popular rock songs by following colored circles on the screen that scroll by in time to the music. The controller is simple to use, but feels surprisingly close to playing a real instrument.

Is It Any Good?

5

The gameplay is simple and addictive, and the range of difficulty is such that it should welcome non-musicians as well as push seasoned guitar shredders past their limits. The sound is excellent, from the electric hum of the amps to the cheers of the crowd when players unleash some successful rocking.

Some of the songs are a little off-color, but they are all tunes that are played on the radio. Since this is rock 'n' roll, players will encounter some occult imagery, lyrics about drinking, and some fairly blunt sexual innuendo, but in most cases anything that might be considered offensive really seems more cartoon-ish. These cover versions even omit the rare cursing present in the originals. All in all, it's quite a rush holding that silly little guitar and feeling like you're right up on stage with the Grim Reaper, strumming fast and furious along with Pantera's "Cowboys From Hell."

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